Wolf Parade – Apologies to the Queen Mary

Oh the hype surrounding this band. It was so much I put off listening to the album. “The next Arcade Fire” echoed from the indie Rolling Stone chambers and thousands clamored and embraced the words as gospel. The truth is that I see very little musical similarities between Wolf Parade and the Arcade Fire. I can hear the Modest Mouse touch that Issac Brock brings to the table, and I guess I can hear the Bowie similarities as well.
After I finally gave in to the pressure and listened to the album, I wasn’t immediately hooked. It took a bunch of listens, with a few favorite songs, and then a few favorite blocks of songs, and finally a liking for the album as a whole. This album has been in my car’s cd player for a couple of weeks now; I just like driving to it so damn much.

For the two or three of you that haven’t heard this Wolf Parade record, check it out. They aren’t the Arcade Fire, David Bowie, or Modest Mouse, and it may not grab you right away, but give it some time, and I promise you’ll warm up to it. It’s an acquired taste.

What the critics say:

Tiny Mix Tapes – 4/5
Coke Machine Glow – 92%
Stylus Magazine – A
Pitchfork – [9.2]

Enter coupon code: muzzle05 for a 10% discount!!!

Madison readers, buy it locally from B-Side Records. If you’re a Milwaukee reader, may I suggest Atomic Records. Please support either store if you live in Madison or Milwaukee.

You can see the rest of my 2005 favorites (so far) by clicking here.